By trading David Booth, the Panthers created some cap flexibility. In turn, the Canucks get a potential 30-goal scorer.

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From Florida's perspective

The players: In Samuelsson, 35, the Panthers are acquring a player with size, spunk and a big shot. He netted 30 goals in 2009-10, and has a goal and two assists this season. Sturm, 33, has always been a dependable offensive catalyst, although he has had injury issues in recent seasons. He's had a slow start this season, with no points and a minus-5 plus-minus in six games. They are both veterans who can help a team that hasn't made the playoffs for more than a decade.

The money: Booth has four more years remaining on a contract that pays him $4.5 million for three seasons, and then $4.75 million for the final season of his deal. Sturm and Samuelsson total $4.75 million this season, but then they are unrestricted after this season. Certainly the cap flexibility is desirable for a team that general manager Dale Tallon is making over. Reinprecht has been playing in the minors, and now his $2 million-plus salary is Vancouver's responsibility.

Why it makes sense for Florida: Booth was a holdover on a team that has been completely revamped by Tallon. Booth hasn't been quite the same player since suffering a concusion in 2009-10 when he was hit by Philadelphia's Mike Richards. He hasn't scored a goal yet this season and was minus-6. When healthy, Samuelsson has proven himself to be a quality scorer. It's not unthinkable that he could outscore Booth.

From Vancouver's perspective

The players: Booth, 26, is a 212-pound forward who looked like he was on his way to stardom before suffering the concussion in 2009-10. He was in the mix for U.S. Olympic consideration. Several teams certainly were interested in Booth

The money: Booth's cap hit is $4.25 million, meaning the Canucks pick up some minimal cap space, presuming that Reinprecht remains in the minors.

Why it makes sense for Canucks: Booth is the most skilled player in the deal, and he could potentially be a 30-goal scorer for many more years. He fits into Vancouver's plans long-term.

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